The nations of the world are reeling over the recent Coronavirus pandemic. Countries, cities, and municipalities are being affected by the deadly new virus that has thrown the world’s stock markets spiraling downward. Uncertainty and fear are in the air, literally! As of yesterday, March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 has reached pandemic levels.* President Trump suspended all travel from Europe for the next 30 days … the world is in a frenzy!

So how are we, as Christians, to respond to times of crises?

First, we should be in the front lines of helping folks dealing with this pandemic. James once wrote, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27). We are called to minister to the most vulnerable among us. In the past, during what is known as the Cyprian plague, for instance, Christians were on the front lines caring for the sick. At it height the Cyprian plague killed 5000 people a day in Rome, devastating the Roman Empire. It was during this time that Christians “played an active role in caring for the ill as well as actively providing care in the burial of the dead.”

We must not run in fear. Rather, Christians should be ready to come to the aid of the sick. If you know someone who is sick, ask how you can help them. If you know someone who has been infected by the virus, find ways to minister to them (bring them a meal, give them a ride to the doctor or hospital, offer to do childcare for them, etc.). We must be the hands and feet of Jesus, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36).

Second, we should remind others that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us hope and peace. Our peace and hope is rooted in the promise of eternal life. Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Our hearts should not be troubled, because we have the hope of eternal life. Jesus, spoke to his disciples concerning persecution saying, ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Though, in context, Christ was not talking about illness or anything related to such, his words to provide us comfort. We can have the assurance that his peace will cover us no matter the type of suffering we may experience.

Third, we should pray and we should not let our joy dissipate. Paul, also reminding of the peace Christ offers, says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We should rejoice when things are chaotic. We should rejoice when things are okay. We should rejoice at all times because we have hope. Not only that, we can rejoice because Jesus grants a peace “which transcends all understanding.” The Coronavirus pandemic should not leads us toward fear, but instead it should lead us to the throne of God in prayer where we can truly find peace and joy. No need to fear!

Finally, remember this world is not our home and the end is near. Recent events, like plagues, wars, famine, and disasters should not catch Christian believers by surprise. They are certainly signs of the end times. How do we know? Jesus spoke of them, “He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:8-11).

We should not be surprised. And we must not be alarmed. Our goal is to proclaim the gospel message to the world, and live it out so others too can know there’s more to life than this world has to offer. We need to become “contagious” Christians who can steer others toward the person of Jesus Christ when they are most distressed. The Gospel is compelling. Let us work to compel others toward the good news of Jesus Christ in the midst of the Coronavirus outbreak, for He is coming back soon!!

*This is a really helpful resource for those keeping track of the progress of the coronavirus: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

*https://www.ancient.eu/article/992/plague-of-cyprian-250-270-ce/

Read one my other articles here: https://thepreachersdevoblog.com/start-stop-repeat-start-stop-repeat-start-stop-repeat/